STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Strict adherence to the Supreme Court's strict guidelines on the opening and operation of stone quarries has resulted in the closure of many existing quarries, thereby leading to the shortage of stone chips and consequent price rise in Assam.
Even though the Assam Government wrote to the Centre seeking some relaxation of the apex Court's guidelines, the plea of Dispur was rejected. Under such circumstances, the State Government has no other option but to adhere to the Supreme Court's guidelines.
In the past, stone quarries were set up and operated from plots measuring one to two hectares of land. But the stone quarries, as per the Supreme Court's guidelines, could now be set up and operated from plots measuring minimum five hectares of land. The guidelines have restricted mushrooming of stone quarries for the sake of environment.
Sources in the Forest Department said that low investments are required for the stone quarries that operate from one or two hectares of land. But massive investments are required to run stone quarries in five hectares of land. Such huge investments are now missing in the State.
Under such circumstances, stone chips are coming from the neighbouring State of Meghalaya which cost dearly for the common people. Each truck of stone chips earlier used to cost Rs 5,000. Now each truck charges Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000.
River boulders found along the Assam-Bhutan border are used as stone chips for construction activities. But such stones are not suitable major and large construction activities.
"We have identified a few places where new stone quarries will be set up. But these places are in the very initial phase of identification. Now, the State has two major stone quarries in Jagiroad and Morigaon. A few other quarries have been handed over to the National Highways Authorities of India (NHAI) to collect stone chips for its construction activities. The majority of the stone quarries are situated in forest areas; and thus, we have to adhere to the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Forests & Environment to operate those quarries," said a Forest department official.
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